Company Theatre's 'The Little Mermaid' brings classic film to stage

The Company Theatre is taking a trip under the sea this month and making a splash with its production of “The Little Mermaid,” opening Friday, July 28.

Based on the Broadway adaptation of the classic 1989 Disney animated film, the musical tells the story of the rebellious teenage mermaid Ariel, who seeks to defy her father and visit the human world up on land. Feeling confined by her life under the sea, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea with Ursula, trading her voice for human legs to find the prince of her dreams.

“We were very excited to see 'The Little Mermaid' when it came out in the full version,” The Company Theatre Co-Founder and Artistic Director Zoe Bradford said. “[Fellow Co-Founder and Artistic Director Jordie Saucerman] and I saw it on Broadway years ago, but we wanted to do different things with it. Their interpretation of the scenery and costumes wasn’t what our concept was when we were looking at it.”

Bradford said she has always been passionate about marine biology and has taken a number of trips to the Caribbean to snorkel, wanted the sets and costumes to incorporate elements that are indigenous to that area so that the whole piece carried a Caribbean theme.

“Our set design is based more on what it really looks like under the ocean, with sea corals and sea fans,” Bradford said. “It’s very colorful, with interesting grottos and elements like that.”

Sarah Kelly, who plays the title role of Ariel, said that in addition to being accurate to the Caribbean, their choreography is accurate to the animated film.

“I love the direction that [Choreographer] Sally Forrest is taking with the show,” Kelly said. “She’s really taking it strictly from the movie, having us thinking animated. This is so much fun as a theater major, because so often people will say to tone it down or be more natural, and in this instance we can really use this motivation of being an animate creature character and just run with it. It’s really fun to just let go.”

This commitment to the film even makes its way into minor details.

“We’re taking specific little pieces of the movie, some iconic, some just little pieces like a look or a move, and bringing them to the stage,” Kelly said. “I think that is so cool and important, especially with something like Disney, because people remember those things and want to see those details. It's going to mesmerize people because they’re going to be so intrigued at the fact that it really does look like a movie up there.”

For a lot of the cast, the opportunity to stage “The Little Mermaid” was a dream come true, and one a long time in the making.

“I’ve been familiar with the Broadway cast recording for years and I’ve always wanted to do this show,” said Nate Ramsayer, who plays King Triton, Ariel’s father. “I also think I actually burned out my ‘Little Mermaid’ cassette tape back in the ‘90s thinking this would make such a great musical, and sure enough here I am living my dream.”

Kelly also has fond memories of the movie from her youth.

“Playing such an iconic Disney character is a blast,” she said. “It’s one of my favorite Disney movies, and I would pretend like I was Ariel when I was little. This is kind of a childhood dream of mine, which is awesome. I felt ready for it.”

Bradford said part of what makes this production so dynamic is the bonds that have formed between the actors.

“The chemistry amongst the cast is very strong,” she said. “Strangers come into a room, but they don’t end up being strangers by the time the show is on. It’s very special that way. The cast was very excited to bring something that’s for all ages. There’s enough depth in the story that it will really entertain you.”

Kelly concurred.

“This cast is unbelievable,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in a production with such real raw talent before. There’s just something about the dynamic of each person and actor and what they bring to their parts.”

This is Ramsayer’s first production with The Company Theatre, and he said he felt welcomed and impressed since day one.

“I was one of the last people cast, so I walked into a rehearsal that had already been going on and I was floored at how good people were and how well they knew the material already. I’ve been doing shows for three or four years now in the different parts of the Greater Boston area and this is one of the most talented casts I’ve ever worked with.”

As originated in the Broadway production, the actors playing parts underwater “swim” around the stage on Heelys, special shoes with wheels on the back that allow them to glide.

“The Heelys choreography isn’t easy, especially for the folks who haven’t roller-skated or roller-bladed before, but people have picked it up,” Bradford said. “It’s really cool the way they glide all around. It gives you more or a watery feel, but it definitely took some practice.”

Kelly said she’d had Heelys when she was in middle school, so she’s found the choreography to be fun.

While the role of the villainous sea witch Ursula has traditionally been played by a female, Bradford decided to go in a different direction in keeping with the character’s original inspiration, casting Ronald Vorce in the role.

“Ron not only sang it quite wonderfully, but he was scary and we loved that,” Bradford said. “I want the element of fear there.”

The design for Ursula in the Disney movie was based on drag queen Divine, best known for starring in a number of independent films directed by John Waters.

Ramsayer said that, as a first time Company Theatre performer, he’s been impressed at how well all the moving parts have come together.

“The Company Theatre itself, I’m thinking I’ve found a new home here theater-wise,” he said. “Besides the cast, the creative team and crew is outstanding. They’re just brilliant people to work with. They’re great collaborators, it’s like watching a well-oiled machine work at high capacity.”

“The Little Mermaid” runs from July 28 to Aug. 20 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $41 on weekdays and $43 on weekends, and can be purchased at companytheatre.com. The Company Theatre is located at 30 Accord Park Dr. in Norwell.